Dow launches elastomer based on olefin block copolymer

Chicago, Illinois - Dow Chemical has introduced a new olefin elastomer based on block-copolymer technology.The olefin block copolymer (OBC) product goes under the Infuse name.

In a press release, Dow said, "The unique block architecture of Infuse OBCs delivers enhanced performance and processing properties beyond current olefin elastomers, including outstanding high temperature performance, faster set-up in processing (reduced cycle times), improved abrasion resistance, and excellent elasticity and compression set properties at both room and elevated temperatures.

The company has a chart showing that the materials offer good performance up to around 90°C, with a peak melt temperature between 115° and 120°C

The company claims the materials offer similar elasticity to SEBS styrenic block copolymers with elastic set of about 40 percent at 300 - 400 percent strain and compression set of 40 percent at 70°C, which is similar to some graes of TPV.

The company is aiming the product at elastic films for diapers or nappies, soft-touch products such as toothbrushes and pens as well as a wide range of automotive and consumer products where fast cycle times and fair elasticity is required.

The polymerisation process was developed using a novel three-part catalyst system that includes Dow's own Insite technology and a catalyst discovered during a collaboration between Dow and Symyx Technologies, Inc.

According to Dow, Infuse features a unique block architecture that allows unprecedented control of the polymer chain which results in resins with high flexibility at varying temperatures, faster set-up time, greater elastic recovery, strong compression set performance and improved abrasion resistance. Applications may include elastic films, flexible molded goods, adhesives and foams in a diverse range of industries.

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Press release from Dow

Press release from Symyx Technologies

Comparison against other thermoplastic elastomers supplied by Dow Chemical

Catalytic Production of Olefin Block Copolymers via Chain Shuttling Polymerization (Abstract) Science magazine (US)